The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh (30 page)

Harry made a move to put an arm around her.

“Don't,” she hissed. “You've got five men watching who
you
have decided should not know I am a female.”

He dropped his arm and nodded. “I'm sorry. I just don't want you hurt by this. Those men are all members of the
ton
. I am not convinced your involvement wouldn't leak out.”

Anna bit her lip. He was right. It would be disastrous to not only her but Sebastian if it got around. “I know,” she said bitterly. “What they would keep as a secret for a man might not hold true for a woman.”

“Anna, do you ever wish I hadn't made you responsible?”

“No. Truth be told, I enjoy it,” she said. “I learned from it. I only wish you'd not taken so long coming home.”

Anna turned her head to the sounds of men walking on the beach. “Kev and the rest of them are coming with our traitor.”

The London gent glanced at her and then at Harry. “Who is this?” he asked haughtily.

“Me brother,” Anna said, slipping into dialect. “Just come back from a long trip.”

“Oh, well then, I suppose it's all right.”

Anna pulled Kev aside. “The Home Office men are in the cave. When you see the signal, go back there and get them. We'll take the turncoat there shortly.”

Kev smiled broadly. “As you say. We'll all be sorry to have you leave.”

Anna touched his arm. “Thank you for that.”

She sauntered over to the gent. “Why don't you come with me while we're waiting. You'll be warmer.”

“Yes, yes. It is a bit cold.”

“This way.”

When they reached the cave, she stepped aside to allow him to enter. In the dark, even she couldn't see the men. “Go in the cave. It's not wet, and ye'll be out of the wind. I'll call when we're ready.”

Anna quickly walked away. She heard a startled shout and a thump, then low chuckles, a shush, and silence. She nodded her head once and smiled.

“Well?” Kev asked her.

“They have him.”

She stood with Harry and Kev watching for the signal. When it came she strode back to the cave and said to Sebastian, “Game's on.”

“If there are any questions, address them to Marsh,” Sebastian told the men, and joined Anna.

She scrambled up the path with him following, and took her place on the cliff. He lay beside her. The gang pushed the boats out.

“Anna.”

“No, don't talk. Sound carries.” She waited the same way she had for the past two years. “Here they come.”

“How can you tell?”

Anna smiled. “You'll see them in a minute.” The boats rowed in. Four huddled figures in skirts were helped from them.... All women? “What's this? Did you know they'd be females?”

Rutherford shook his head. “No. I only knew about the one that had to be rescued.”

Women? A light dawned. Of course. What a brilliant idea. “Whores.”

“That would be my guess. They're not here for the Season.”

“A good plan.”

“Brilliant. Too many men tend to talk under certain circumstances.” He coughed. “Let's get the horses.”

“No. Wait until they've cleared this area.” Someone waving caught her eye. “Sebastian, look.”

“Stay here.”

“No.” She made her way down the path like a goat. He followed, and Kev met them.

“They was none too smart, your Home Office nobs. They left that gent alone, and he got away when the boats came back in.”

Anna turned to Sebastian and fixed him with a narrow-eyed look as she asked Kev, “Did he go back toward town?”

“Not sure exactly.”

“We need to find him.” Anna frowned. “Can our men take the women back?”

Kev met her gaze and rolled his eyes. Not a good idea.

Anna nodded. “Kev, tell Harry we need him. You're in charge. Make sure nothing happens to stop the nobs from taking the women. We'll meet Harry on top.”

She turned to Rutherford. “We should go. We need to get the horses to the inn and look for the gent.”

Madeleine had gotten into the small boat and crossed herself.
Mon Dieu
. She tried to cover her hair with the hood of her cloak. Instead, she clung to the seat, trembling. If it wasn't for her sister, she'd throw herself in the icy water. Death would be preferable to being defiled.

When she got to the beach, she was handed out with a tenderness that surprised her. A man took her arm and swiftly walked her down the beach. She stumbled. “I am sorry. My shoes are not made for this.”

“You have no need to worry. We may walk as slowly as you wish.”

Madeleine glanced up at him. “Thank you. You are very kind.”

She noted that they fell farther and farther behind the others. Fear pricked her. “Why are we so far behind the others?”

“You'll see in a few minutes,” the man answered. “There is no need for you to be afraid.”

Tears started, and she blinked them back. “Very well.” After several minutes of walking, a shack came into view, and another man stepped out from behind it.

“Madeleine?” Her heart stopped.
Mon Dieu
. She crossed herself, again. “Georges? How? Oh, no, you cannot see me like this.
I am ruined.
”

Her escort stepped back. Georges wrapped his arms around her.

“Did anyone touch you?” he asked. His voice was hard as stone.

“No, they are saving me for a highly placed . . .”

He placed a finger on her lips. “Then all is well.”

“Georges, you do not understand. If I do not do this, they will take my sister. She is only thirteen.” The tears came again, washing down her cheeks. He held her and stroked her as if she were a child to be comforted.

“I'll save her. If I have to go to rescue her myself, I promise you she'll be safe.”

Georges turned to the other man. “Thank you. Tell your boss, if there is ever anything I can do . . .”

“He'll be pleased to hear that. You'd better go. I was told the path is just behind you.”

Georges kept his arm around her until they reached a small trail. “Keep hold of my coat.”

Madeleine nodded. When they got to the top he let her rest.

After a few moments she asked. “Where now?”

“I have a coach. We'll go to the inn at which I am staying.”

“Who were those men?”

“English agents. The other women will never reach the brothel. Or, if they do, they will no longer work for the Corsican.”

He fluttered kisses down her neck. She moved her head as if to encourage them. She sighed and looked as if her eyes might open. They didn't. He moved down over her body, kissing and nibbling. She gave another sigh.

If he hadn't been so intent on pleasuring her, he would have laughed. Her sighs and moans formed a symphony. She was warm and limp. A smile played on her lips. Then they formed an
O
as he moved his fingers in between her thighs. A strange, soft keening sound accompanied her shudder.

Rutherford thought about turning her onto her stomach, but he wanted to see Anna's face when she woke and found him making love to her. He slid his finger into her and rubbed the pearl hidden in her curls. Her hips arched. She thrashed her head back and forth. One of her hands found his shoulder and clung, nails digging into him. Her mouth opened to allow a high, breathy sound to escape.

He replaced his finger with his shaft and slowly filled her. Anna smiled. He withdrew and entered her again, repeating the movement until her body was tense. God, she was beautiful. Suddenly a gush of liquid silk ran over him. Her body shook. Her tremors closed around him until he lost control, and spilled his seed into her. Anna opened her mouth. Rutherford covered it quickly with his and swallowed her scream of pleasure.

The tension in her face gave way to Madonna-like calm, and her breathing deepened. Rutherford wondered if she'd remember anything in the morning.

When he awoke again, Anna was cuddled into his side, and the weak winter sun was no longer streaming through the window. He glanced to the clock on the mantel. Anna stirred.

“What time is it?”

“Two o'clock. How do you feel?”

Anna stretched. “Wonderful. I'm so relaxed.”

He propped himself on his elbow and gazed down at her. “Anything else?”

“I had a strange dream. But I can't remember all of it.”

“Hmm?”

“Yes, I was hot and wet and . . .” She blushed.

He kissed her. “Let me help you remember.”

 

Harry woke up to someone knocking on his door.

“Sir, there is a gentleman downstairs wishing to see either Lord Rutherford or you. Lord Rutherford is . . . indisposed.”

Harry wished he were indisposed. He and Emma hadn't had a minute alone since she had got to the Hill. “Come in, Farley, and help me dress. Send a message that I'll be down in a few minutes. I'd like a pot of tea as well.”

“Yes, sir, I'll see to it.”

His valet returned a few minutes later. “Sir, I wish you would allow me to shave you.”

“We don't have time this morning.”

Farley took out fresh linen and a pair of Harry's buckskin breeches. A few minutes later, Harry went downstairs to the front parlor. He opened the door to find the elegant gentleman from early this morning. Harry shook his hand and offered him a cup of tea.

“Thank you. I left our friend's house before they could offer me a meal or ask any questions.”

The door opened to a footman carrying a tray with meat, cheese, and bread. “You can eat here.” Once the door closed Harry asked, “Where is our Lord Florian?”

The gentleman sipped his tea and assumed a distressed look. “Sadly, he did not survive the night. A boating accident. I'm sure you understand how that can happen.”

“Yes. Not suicide?” Harry asked, wanting clarification.

“Ah, no,” the man replied. “That, as you might imagine, would be terribly hard on his family. He has a sister coming out next year. We wouldn't want any hint of scandal attached to her. I find it unaccountable the things people do when near the sea. He didn't swim at all well.”

Harry watched the other man's calm demeanor and wondered if he could carry it off so well. “Should I expect to find the body washed up?”

The man finished his tea and began to place a slice of cheese between two pieces of bread. “Perhaps, but he was quite far out. I expect the current may take him.”

“You do know Rutherford is the magistrate?”

The man had taken a bite of his sandwich and swallowed. “I do not think he should be unnecessarily bothered. Where is Rutherford by the way?”

“I'm here,” he said as he entered the room. “I take it there's been a boating accident?”

The man rose and shook Rutherford's hand. “Indeed. So very sad. Please send a message to Jamison should the body, er, appear.”

“I shall. How are you traveling back to London?”

The gentleman smiled thinly. “The mail. I have been visiting my father in Suffolk the past few days.”

Emma knocked and entered the room. The gentlemen stood. “Harry, there you are.”

Harry repressed a sigh. At least it wasn't Anna. “My love, we just have some unfinished business from last night.”

She glanced around, and her gaze stopped at the elegant man. “I understand. I came to tell you that your parents should return soon. Your father suggested he and your mother spend the day in Dover. I'll be with the housekeeper if you need me.”

Harry walked her to the door and shut it.

“Who was the lady?” the gentleman asked.

“My affianced wife, Miss Spencer-Jones.”

“She was not the woman from this morning.”

“No.” Rutherford's lips tightened. “Thank you for the information concerning the accident. I think you should be going. Now.”

The gentleman finished his meal and rose. “Yes, perhaps I should. I'll see myself out.”

“I'll walk with you.” Rutherford held the door open. “I wouldn't want you to lose your way.”

Once the gentleman had mounted his horse and was trotting down the drive, Harry joined Rutherford. “Do you think he's going to be a problem?”

Rutherford shrugged. “Not if he's half as smart as he thinks he is. I suggested to him that he forget there was a female present last night.”

Harry scowled. “Let's hope he does, for Anna's sake.”

 

Anna finished eating in her parlor and was sipping the last of the tea when Emma knocked on the door. “May I come in?”

Anna looked up and smiled. “Of course you may. Would you like some tea?”

Her soon-to-be sister-in-law nervously smoothed her skirts before taking a seat on the sofa near the window. “No, thank you. Tea will be served within the hour.”

Anna glanced briefly at the clock. She'd not known it was already so late. “Have you come to chat? Or do you have something to ask me?”

A light blush rose in Emma's cheeks. “I have a question.”

Anna put her cup down. “What is it?”

Emma looked down at her hands for a few moments before continuing. “I understand that you and Lord Rutherford are . . .”

Anna couldn't keep from grinning happily. “Yes.”

Emma raised her eyes and sat up straighter. Worry lines formed on her forehead. “You know I was betrothed before and that he died?”

Anna nodded.

Emma swallowed and her blush deepened. “We never—Well, he wanted to—to wait. Needless to say,
it
never happened.”

Anna put her tea down and leaned forward. “Ah, and now you don't wish to wait until you are married.”

“I do not,” Emma replied.

“I can't say I blame you.” Anna tapped her chin. “But as you are here, at Marsh Hill, Harry will not go to you. You'll have to do it.”

Emma opened and closed her mouth. “Why—why will he not?”

“Because you're in his home,” Anna said. “It is some sort of male code. He may not
take advantage
of you under his roof. Even though it is actually my father's roof.” Anna frowned for a moment. “Consequently, my dear sister-to-be, you must go to him.”

Emma's eyes widened. “Oh dear. Did you go to . . . ?” She waved her arm.

Anna nodded and frowned. “Yes, because for some reason quite unintelligible to me, Rutherford would not have. Truly, I find it all very strange. Nonetheless, those are the rules.”

Emma was clutching her hands together so tightly, her knuckles turned white. “I-I see. I never thought . . . it would . . . that I must. Oh my. Did you feel very wanton?”

Anna gave a gurgle of laughter. “No, but we'd, er . . .”

Emma nodded and said briskly, “Oh, I see how that would make a difference.
How
many days are there until the weddings?”

“Well, today is almost gone, so five days.”

“Five days?”
Emma moaned in despair.

“Rutherford would have gone for a special license, but I didn't know how long it would take my mother to return,” Anna said. “Emma, you need not wait for us. You have a license. You may be married tomorrow if you like.”

Emma brightened, then frowned. “I cannot. Lady Rutherford expects to see me married.”

It was really too bad that Harry wouldn't do anything. “Hmm. I see. Would you like me to talk to Harry?”

“
Oh my, no
. What would he think of me?”

“I suppose you couldn't mention it to him?”

Emma shook her head.

What a pickle. “Let me think on it.” Anna's brow wrinkled. “If I come up with anything, I'll let you know.”

Emma grabbed Anna's hands. “Thank you.”

Anna retrieved one hand and patted Emma's. “I only hope I
can
be of help.”

Once Emma left, Anna thought of and rejected solutions to Emma's problem. Finally, she found one she thought would work. A short while later, Anna rang for Lizzy and gave her instructions. When Lizzy returned about an hour later, Anna sent a message to Sebastian asking if it was convenient for her to come down.

Receiving an answer in the affirmative, she descended the stairs and found her betrothed in the morning room. “Where is Mama?” Anna asked. “I can't believe she allowed us to sleep for so long.”

Sebastian kissed her hand. “Harry took your father into his confidence, and Sir William suggested a trip to Dover.”

That was a shock. “Indeed? What did Harry say?”

Grinning, Sebastian said, “Harry ended up having to tell your father everything about the smuggling, and our activities last night with the spies. Sir William rang a peel over his head about your involvement, but agreed to keep your mother out of the way.”

“Well, I'm glad Papa decided to help,” Anna said, “but I don't like it that he blamed Harry. By the by, where
are
Harry and Emma?”

Taking Anna in his arms, Sebastian replied, “I believe they're entertaining the children.”

She touched her lips to his. “Hmm, I think we should take over for them.”

Sebastian eyed her intently. “What are you up to?”

Shrugging lightly, Anna responded, “They need some time alone.”

“Are you scheming, my love?”

“Only a little and for a very good cause.”

Anna caught Emma's gaze as she and Rutherford entered the children's parlor. “Have you been inside all day? Harry, you should take Emma for a walk. I'm quite sure she has not seen all the grounds. We can easily put off tea for a while yet.”

Cece, sprawled on the floor reading a book, looked up. “We'll come with you.”

“No, no,” Anna replied. “Emma wants to see the wood and beyond. You will be happier visiting the children's garden.” Anna glanced at Sebastian. “Don't you agree?”

Without blinking an eye, he replied, “Absolutely. Harry, Emma, please go without us. We'll stay with the children.”

Anna raised a suggestive brow. “Emma, you'll need your cloak. It may be a little cold. Do you know where it's kept?”

Emma rose. “No, I don't. Perhaps you'd better show me.”

Anna led her out into the hall and showed her the large wardrobe just off the main entrance. “Have Harry take you to the folly in the wood. It's not as nice as the one overlooking the lake, but it's much easier to heat.”

Emma took Anna's hands. “Thank you. I hope I'm doing the right thing.”